Art enthusiasts will have the chance to engage with the featured artists at the upcoming Logan Art Gallery exhibitions.
Opening night of the new exhibitions is on Friday 16 June, and those who attend will get first-hand insights into the minds of artists Sha Sarwari and Henri van Noordenburg.
Mr Shawari, a Brisbane-based artist born in Afghanistan, has used his lived-experiences as a migrant living in Australia to create works depicting the stories of refugees and asylum seekers in his exhibition titled: Archaeology of Memory.
He said he was excited for the exhibition.
“I always look forward to exhibitions,” Mr Shawari said.
“I like how art can create debate and pose questions.”
This isn’t the first exhibition Mr Shawari has had in Logan.
Around eight years ago he held an exhibition at the Logan Art Gallery addressing similar stories of refugees.
He said one of his pieces, which encouraged the audience to leave a written statement detailing their reaction to and opinion of the work, sparked hateful comments.
“They meant offense, but I didn’t take it as an offense,” he said.
Mr Shawari said these instances are part of the reason why he makes art – to spark dialogue.
Mr Henri, the other speaker, is a Dutch-born artist whose exhibition Still Water depicts the effects of global warming.
The gallery will feature exhibitions by other local artists, including Walk gently, a collaborative exhibition by Rochedale South artist Rachael Lee and printmaker Gillian Richards who have used art to explore the harmonious connection between people and the environment.
There will also be World Environment Day posters which are a collection of artworks by young local artists, and printing and sculpture workshops for adults and children.
Bookings for the exhibition opening and all workshops are recommended and can be made on the Logan Arts website.
The gallery, on the corner of Jacaranda Ave and Wembley Rd, Logan Central, is open Tuesday to Saturday (10am to 5pm).
Entry is free.
